BAAPS Study of 200 UK Patients Finds 74 % Needed Further Treatment After Overseas Cosmetic Procedures

A British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons study of almost 200 UK patients found that nearly three in four required additional medical procedures or surgery after undergoing cosmetic operations overseas, The Independent reported. Almost half needed an operation under general anaesthetic to address complications, and one patient died from a pulmonary embolism.

The study covered cases treated in the UK after procedures performed between September 2022 and 2024.

NHS costs for treating those complications reached an estimated £1.8 million, or between £5,883 and £9,328 per patient. The figures capture only a portion of the total burden, as many cases were handled outside specialist plastic surgery records. Seventy-six per cent of the complications followed surgery in Turkey.

A tummy tuck was the most common procedure linked to problems. In 38 per cent of cases patients underwent multiple procedures during one trip. Thirty-seven per cent experienced wounds that broke down or failed to heal, 28 per cent developed infections, and 20 per cent suffered tissue necrosis.

Mike Tyler, a plastic surgeon and co-author of the study, said some patients received a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty and liposuction at the same time. He noted that others underwent facial procedures despite being young or received liposuction and abdominoplasty despite BMIs over 40 and pre-diabetic status.

Nora Nugent, president of BAAPS, said patients are often shown luxury hotels and dramatic before-and-after photos online.

She added that cosmetic surgery carries real risks wherever it is performed and that complications overseas frequently leave the NHS to provide emergency and ongoing care.